Real Madrid captain pushing to start Super Cup final but Alonso refuses to take risk | OneFootball

According to a report from Defensa Central, Dani Carvajal is keen to be involved from the very start of Sunday’s Clasico, but Xabi Alonso has already made his decision that there will be no risks taken with the veteran defender.

Carvajal’s desire to lead from the pitch is not in doubt. As captain, his instinct is always to be available for matches of this magnitude, particularly against Barcelona and with a trophy on the line. 

However, the reality of his physical condition has forced Real Madrid’s coaching staff to think long-term rather than emotionally. 

As things stand, Carvajal will not start the final. At best, his role will be limited to the bench.

No risk with the veteran

The main concern is that the right-back is still not at the level required for such a demanding encounter. 

A Spanish Super Cup final, especially a Clasico, is played at maximum intensity from the first minute. 

Alonso believes that throwing Carvajal into the starting XI under these conditions could do more harm than good, both for the player and for a defence that has already been affected by injuries.

Alonso will not take risk with Carvajal’s fitness (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

As such, Alonso has resisted the temptation to rely on experience alone. 

Carvajal’s winning mentality is invaluable, but the coaching staff is also aware that rushing his return could worsen the situation.

A relapse at this stage of the season is something neither the club nor the player can afford.

For this reason, Carvajal will begin the match on the bench and will only be considered in the final stages if the situation truly demands it. 

Even then, his introduction would depend heavily on how the game unfolds. 

Internally, both Alonso and Carvajal have held honest conversations in recent hours. 

While his condition improves with every training session, the truth remains that he is not yet at 100% and playing significant minutes in such a high-pressure match could undo weeks of careful recovery.